D50 SLR

D50 SLR

Nikon D50 SLR Review

By
Movable Type Admin

Nikon Capture 4 supports all Nikon digital SLR models. This versatile image
processing and editing
software extends the capabilities and offers comprehensive control of NEF
images unmatched by any other software. Capture 4 also features
significant new image enhancement technologies that not only allow
photographers to maintain a faster workflow, but also offer advanced image
editing capabilities.

The NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) file format is the digital equivalent of
a film negative. It allows for extensive non-destructive editing and
preserves the integrity of the original RAW image data. A NEF file
consists of three key components that include raw image data captured by
the imaging sensor, thumbnail images of the raw data, and a unique
instruction set that retains camera settings from the moment a picture was
taken. During post-production in Capture 4, these original
camera settings can be tweaked, edited and saved as a variation of the
instruction set, thereby leaving the original raw data unaffected, yet
achieving the effects of the editing on the final image.

When shooting in NEF mode, all Nikon digital SLRs
capture 12-bit images, instead of 8-bit in JPEG and TIFF modes. In
Capture 4 these 12-bit images are processed into full 16-bit
images using advanced algorithms, offering tone and color enhancements with
the smoothest gradation and fidelity. Using Capture 4, a 16-bit NEF
image can be easily transformed into a JPEG or TIFF. NEF easily replaces
all other file formats as the ultimate image archive file.

Nikon Capture 4 is included in the D70S package and operates
unrestricted in
"try it before you buy it" mode for 30 days.
It can also be downloaded from the
Nikon USA web site for both Windows and Mac users.

Nikon Capture Editor's window gives you quick access to the image
information and tools you need to get the most out of your NEF
files. The shooting data can be displayed across
the top or hidden to give you more image preview area. On the left is the
Quick Tools palette. The major editing
tools are organized in two palettes consisting of drop-down/expanding
sub-menus. Image adjustments are shown in realtime on the preview screen.
You can toggle the display of the tool palettes by pressing the TAB key.

Unsharp Mask - The Unsharp Mask
increases the contrast of the edges in the image while leaving other
areas untouched. The amount of sharpness is determined by three factors:
intensity, halo width, and threshold.

Color Booster - Enhance the color balance and saturation based on
People or Nature, variable amount from 0 to 100 or Auto setting.

Size/Resolution - The Size/Resolution palette is where you
specify the final "output" size of the portion of the image that will be
saved.

Bird's Eye - The Bird's Eye windows show you what portion of the
overall image you are viewing in the image preview window.

Information - The information palette shows the position and
color of the pixel under the mouse pointer. The Information palette can
also monitor the red, green, blue, and average values (R, G, B, Avg) for up
to four selected pixels.

Tool Palette 2

Advanced RAW - Alter exposure compensation, image sharpening, tone
compensation, color mode, saturation and hue adjustment from the settings in effect at
the time the photograph was taken.

Noise Reduction - Attempts to minimize digital "noise" in images
caused mainly by using high ISO sensitivities. It can reduce noise
along the edges in an image, making outlines more distinct.
With the D70 it is also very effective
at removing or minimizing color moire patterns with the Color Moire Reduction option.

Image Dust Off - Compares a RAW image with a
reference image created with the same camera to reduce the effects of any
dust that may be present on the low-pass filter protecting the camera's
imaging sensor. It only affects relatively featureless areas of the image.

Vignette Control - Correct for loss of marginal lumination, a
phenomenon associated with camera lenses that causes a drop in brightness
at the edges of a photograph. Most effective when performed on images taken
at maximum aperture. If the image was taken with a type G or D lens, Nikon
Capture 4 will use the lens information recorded with the image to
automatically select an optimal value for Vignette Control.

Fisheye Lens - Modify images taken with an AF DX 10.5mm f2.8G
Nikkor fisheye lens to resemble images taken with a normal wide-angle lens.
This option is not available with other lenses. See examples below.

Image taken with Nikkor AF DX 10.5mm fisheye lens

Converted and "straightened" with NikonCapture

These photos were taken at the pool Aquatica (manufacturer of quality underwater
housings for digital and film cameras) uses as a testing facility, and all were
captured with a 10.5mm Nikon Fisheye, Nikon D100, and Aquatica D100 Housing with an 8 inch
dome port (no extension ring needed) and twin Nikonos SB-105 Strobes.

To see more of
these photos please visit the
Wet Pixel web site. They have also posted information about a new
underwater housing for the Nikon D50 to be available soon. If you're into diving and
doing underwater digital photography then check this site out!

Camera Control

Using the Camera Control component of Nikon Capture, you can control
almost all aspects of camera operation remotely via USB port from your computer. If
Camera Control is running when a D1-series camera is connected, pictures
taken with the camera will be stored on your computer hard disk, not the
camera memory card.

The camera can be operated either directly or by using the
controls in the Camera Control window. Camera settings are displayed in
Camera Control. As photographs are captured, Nikon Capture Camera Control can
automatically process the images to reflect image adjustment settings in
Nikon Capture Editor.

Camera settings can be controlled from both the computer or from the
camera if the "enable controls on the camera body" box is checked.
The "Exposure 1" page shows the exposure mode, shutter speed, aperture, exposure
compensation, flash compensation and the flexible program shift (if applicable.)

The status line on the computer screen is almost identical to that found inside of your
camera's viewfinder and changes in realtime to reflect current camera settings.

Just click on the "AF and Shoot" button to have the camera perform autofocus and then
capture the picture or click the "Shoot" button if already focused or using manual focus.

The "Status" screen pops up after an image is captured and shows a preview thumbnail
and lets you know how much space is left on the host computer's drive, where the image
was saved and can also display an optional histogram.

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.